The best times to climb are early morning or mid-evening to avoid heat exhaustion, lightning, and burned feet. 2. Open today: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM. The hike along the canyon is stunning! Difficulty: Moderate. The towering red rock formations of Garden of the Gods create a memorable backdrop for this easily accessible hike located minutes from downtown Colorado Springs. As one of the topmost scenic hikes in Colorado, Hanging Lake is on everyones to-do list. This area will encompass Denver north to Fort Collins with hikes that are accessible from the eastern urban corridor. Different public lands have different guidelines and restrictions, so it is important to be familiar with the area that you are hiking in. Hiking water bottle for hydration 4. When planning your trip, keep in mind that parking can be scarce at the eastern trailheads, especially in the summer. Dont stop here, as another singletrack trail on the west side of Mirror Lake heads on to. Photo Credit: James Harris Photography, While exploring American Basin, add Sloan Lake to your bucket list. Thanks to its strategic location, its suitable for year-round hiking. The 14-mile route in Rocky Mountain National Park can be very dangerous, requiring class three climbing with the majority of the route exposed well above treeline. This road is only open in the summer months. The descent can be quite dangerous, watch out for loose rocks. Photo Credit: tonda (iStock). However, if you plan on adventuring above the trees, start early in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. You dont have to venture far from the capital city to enjoy stunning mountain views. Explore the most popular trails in my list 101 most beautiful hikes in colorado with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Even in the winter, the Front Range sees plenty of mild and sunny days when the trails dry out enough for a hike. Compared to the rest of the country, cell service in Colorado is not that great. Sneffels Wilderness and to the base of one of Colorado's most popular 14ers. That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the. Mount Bross has been closed to the public in the past check with the current rules before summiting this peak. It provides stunning views of three different lakes and Hallet Peak, a 11,000-foot mountain that is popular amongst rock climbers. The High Dune gives a spectacular view of this one-in-a-kind national park. A series of steep and rocky switchbacks will take you to the lake. It also serves as a highly visible landmark the notch in the ridge. The first mile of the trail climbs, at times steeply, through sparse forests that become progressively thinner as you climb. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. The Garden of the Gods Inner Loop starts on the, , a paved lollipop loop that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. This is a great resource released by the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Spencer McKee takes in sweeping alpine views on the Mount Massive trail. Quick rainstorms and thunderstorms are also not uncommon up in the high country. On the west side, you will spot the famous Kissing Camels, and to the east, White Rock. This loop is a mix of aerobically challenging climbing combined with pleasant views. Distance: 3 milesElevation gain: 1,135 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go for sunrise. Known as a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, Boulder could keep you occupied for weeks with its multitude of trails in close vicinity to downtown. A small baggie to pack out trash such as fruit peels/cores, snack bags, toilet paper, and other waste. The view from the summit of Mt. Located in Roxborough State Park, this is one of the best easy hikes near Denver that takes you on a fun trek past some of the best scenery in the park. Whether you are looking for easy day hikes, gorgeous multiday backpacking trips or views (and elevation gain) that will take your breath away, the Centennial State does not disappoint. This is by far the most photographed spot in Colorado. On the west side, you will spot the famous, , and to the east, White Rock. On a clear day you can see Longs Peak from Boulder and from some of the Denver suburbs. Mayflower Lake and Mohawk Lakes Trail. Rattlesnake Arches is a varied challenge that can be done in a day by an avid hiker. The Royal Arch is a spectacular rock formation that forms an arch. Here comes the big question! Garden of the Gods is a popular hiking destination located in Colorado Springs. The 8.7-mile out-and-back trail climbs steeply into the mountains starting from the base of the South Mineral Valley near Silverton. Nature & Parks, State Parks. Most people opt to backpack this trail since youll find it hard to leave. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Dont underestimate the difficulty of this route. Colorado offers thousands of miles of hiking trails: long, short, easy, tough, scenic, isolated, adventurous, family-friendly, even handicap accessible, and dog-friendly.Some are perfect for viewing the changing of the aspen trees in the fall, whereas others come to life every spring with colorful wildflowers. 35% percent of land in Colorado is public land or a whopping 23 million acres. Although short, theres quite a bit of gain on this hike, making it moderate in difficulty. Being that is an overview of the best hiking in Colorado, this article could go on for days. Distance: 3.1Elevation Gain: 990Difficulty: easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Photo Credit: johnnya123 (iStock). Be on the lookout for more articles in the future for the best 14er hikes and multi-day backpacking trips. From easygoing hikes in the many state and local parks within driving distance of major cities like Denver, Fort Collins, Boulder and Colorado Springs, to the hidden backcountry gems found in the remote wilderness and national forest areas, you have your pick of some of the best hiking in the Mountain West. If you get an early start, you can park at the Maroon Lake parking area. Blue Lakes Trail leads hikers through Mt. Located minutes from downtown Colorado Springs, Bear Creek Canyon Regional Park is tucked away in the rolling and forested foothills of Pikes Peak. 5 Must-Have Hiking Essentials 1. (Stan Behal/Toronto Sun/Postmedia . For more information please visit the RNMP website. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Dependent on the seasonal opening of Independence Pass. A lighter snow season will allow for earlier season hiking. Photo Credit: John Fowler OutThere Colorado. Theres a saying in Colorado that goes west slope best slope. This area of the state isnt as easy to access compared to other hiking areas closer to Denver. Many hikers are turned around by high country weather. : Manitou Springs, CO, in Bear Creek Canyon Regional Park, 5 miles west of Colorado Springs, : An aerobic challenge with a rewarding view, This loop is a mix of aerobically challenging climbing combined with pleasant views. Plan to start your hike early to avoid storms. Living up to its namesake, this beautiful alpine lake hosts an array of skyscraping rock formations that seem to defy gravity. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. Blue Lakes Trail, Mount Sneffels Wilderness. Depends on road conditions and the seasons snowpack. This is my favorite place to take out-of-town visitors on a scenic jaunt. Backdropped by beautiful peaks, the sandy "mountain" rises 699 feet off the ground. On a calm, clear day the mountains reflections in the lake makes for a picture-perfect setting. For an added bonus, time your hike to catch the sunrise or sunset. Start your hike at the East Portal Trailhead near the Moffat Tunnel. This could be the most popular fall hike in Colorado. Storms come in quickly and the weather changes on a dime here. If youre planning a visit to this remote destination, please follow theLeave No Tracebest practices. Photo Credit: SWKrullImaging (iStock). From Bluebell Road, turn onto the Royal Arch Trail. : Deckers, CO, in Pike National Forest, 45 miles south of Denver, : 360-degree views from a historic fire tower. But Victoria's .SUNshine Girl Emily, a 5-foot-7, hazel-eyed Taurus who posed for us in 2018, loves yoga, hiking, writing in her journal and skiing. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Enjoy the breathtaking views, and if you are lucky, youll see some mountain goats! You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the trailhead. The start of the trail is fairly well-packed singletrack. Photo Credit: Ashley Bennett. One can encounter snow on Colorado hiking trails all year round. From the deep Black Canyon of the Gunnison to the highest point in Colorado on Mount Elbert, there is a lifetime of hiking to explore. Plan to get to the final destination by sunrise to beat the crowds and be treated to some breathtaking scenery. In the summer, wildflowers are abundant. While the park is popular enough that you wont have the trails to yourself, there are miles of trails to explore so you can pick and choose your own route to either escape the crowds or follow the well-used paths to the popular viewpoints. Distance: 3 milesElevation gain: 629 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This isnt so much of a trail, as it is walking up a steep, squishy sand hill hence the difficulty. 2. Its almost a rite of passage to hike this iconic hiking trail in Colorado. Please check the NPS website and All-Trails for conditions updates. From Grays, continue down the north ridge across the saddle between the two peaks to climb Torreys. All in all, this hike is pretty chill, except for the last mile. Aspen, Colorado is obviously known for its Aspen trees! As you climb, keep your eyes open for yellow-bellied marmots and pikas. Towering beautifully over hikers, mountain bikers, and climbers, the unique red rock formations offer a playground of adventure. Tucked between Interstate 70 and Colorado State Highway 470, Matthews/Winters Park is a surprising location for some beautiful Front Range trails. Earn a $100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening. This hike is mostly on the valley floor, passing multiple lakes on the way to the final pair of the Chicago lakes. Royal Arch is one of the most popular local trails, and provides some of the best views in the area! Its $25 to enter the park. A set of hiking poles 12 Top Colorado Springs Trails & Hikes 1. Photo Credit: krblokhin (iStock). Heavy snowfall shuts down the majority of hiking in the alpine environment due to avalanche concerns as well as intense cold weather. This awesome, 6 mile out-and-back trail takes you through the exquisite Flat Tops Wilderness area near Yampa, Colorado. Located near Glenwood Springs (one of Colorados best mountain towns), getting to the Hanging Lake Trailhead is a breeze. Mount Falcon Castle Loop Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, Yellow and pink varieties of wildflowers bloom along the alpine tundra as the creek waters gently tumble. Colorado is a hiking mecca thats filled with unbelievably beautiful trails. Parts of the trailhead may also be inaccessible during these months. From here, follow the Buckskin Pass Trail back to the trailhead to complete the loop. While not a very challenging hike, this hike is on our list because of how unique it is. Distance: 2.5 milesElevation Gain: 885 feetDifficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. Lone Eagle Peak in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. That doesnt mean this is an easy undertaking, though, and hikers should come prepared with plenty of food, water and extra clothing as hiking any 14er in Colorado involves some degree of risk due to elevation, weather and exposure. , Quandary makes a great first 14er to tackle. It's also one of the best spots in the state for capturingfall colors. Theres a good reason for it: Hanging Lake LOOKS like a place where fairies and gnomes would live. Today, outdoor enthusiasts continue to visit from all over . The west end of this narrow lake is framed by Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. Helmet required. Colorado Bend State Park. The west end of this narrow lake is framed by Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. Also, try and do this trek after a rain so that the waterfall looks rad. Youll never know what you could find! There are several large waterfalls along the way including the trails namesake, Cascade Falls, a particularly scenic multitiered waterfall that you will get an up-close look at as the trail switchbacks from the base of the falls to the top. Photo Credit: RondaKimbrow (iStock). Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Location: I-70 corridor, outside of the town of Aspen. These hikes are much harder to get to but provide more solitude and more adventure than hiking in other parts of the state. Others also have parking fees. The rock formations are spectacular, and there is so much to see in a short distance. The hike to, hits all the highlights in a fairly manageable distance, but the incline isnt easy, so come prepared for a leg-burning climb. This hike has fantastic views of the mountains in the front range and Summit county. Plan your next outdoor adventure to one of 4,595 routes with waterfalls or scenic . Its also a pretty easy trail to hike since there is little elevation change and the path features several stellar views of the surrounding canyon and the river below. This is by far one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Winding through spectacular wildflower meadows, scenic beauty awaits hikers and backpackers. Ive spent a lot of time on these trails without a soul in sight. There are many different items one should bring hiking while in Colorado. The start of the trail is fairly well-packed singletrack. : Morrison, CO, in Matthews/Winters Park, 15 miles west of Denver, : An easily accessible hike on Colorados Front Range. With thousands of hikes in Colorado, there is no way all of them can be featured in this article. Bursting with beauty, the trail features rushing alpine waters, wildflower meadows, and a variety of wildlife including bear, elk, moose, deer, and marmots. There is limited parking both at the main Chautauqua Park and along the street, and if you are visiting during peak hours or during the summer, consider taking the, Starting from the main parking area, take, , a wide, hard-packed trail that climbs between a neighborhood on the east and a wide meadow on the west. We'd love to hear eyewitness Elevation: 246 feet. You will need to check-in at the South Rim visitors center to get a permit. The unbelievable electric blue waters of Ice Lake make this one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. While clockwise is often the preferred starting point for bagging the 4-pack loop, some hikers opt for a counter clockwise start with the 14,172-foot summit of Mount Bross (pictured). If you are looking for a quick way to escape the city, this is a great region to hike in. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Dont attempt Longs Peak unless you are an experienced mountain hiker who isnt afraid of exposure to steep drops and knows a thing or two about scrambling. Become educated on the topic, and be sure to keep an eye on those hiking with you. I love to escape to the red sandstone canyons outside of Fruita, Colorado every winter. The intense heat of the summer makes the high-altitude areas prime for late afternoon thunderstorms. If you are planning an overnight trip, you must, at the trailhead, and bear canisters are required. If you are planning to do the hike as a quick overnight backpacking trip, you will need a permit, and all visitors will need to pay the small fee to park at the Monarch Lake Trailhead. It's also important to note that avalanche hazards also exist in the valley. If you are planning an overnight trip, you must self-register at the trailhead, and bear canisters are required. Popular hiking trails include the Garden of the Gods Loop, Rocks and Vistas Garden of the Gods, Susan G. Bretag and Palmer Loop, and Siamese Twins Loop. The hike to Loch Lake is quite stunning, and a must-visit for any moderate hiker. Easily one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of the best hikes in Aspen. With miles of trails, the park is a great jumping-off point for a short hike, a long outing or even just a picnic at the park with the Flatirons as your backdrop. From the base of Chautauqua Park, one has access to many trails that go up to the flatiron mountains and provide a wonderful view of Boulder and down to Denver. Pants will also be nice to have in case of a rogue thunderstorm. Its also only 3.2 miles long and takes you past some gorgeous alpine lakes. Being on an exposed ridge top on a late summer day is one of the most dangerous places to be while hiking. Nestled in the Indian Peaks Wilderness lies the wow-worthy granite spectacle. Featuring hiking trails found throughout the state, theres a breathtaking hike virtually anywhere! Soak in the beauty of James Peak Wilderness as you make your way to Heart Lake via Rogers Pass Trail. If you are flying into Colorado, Denver International Airport is the best option. Winter brings solitude through deep snow in the woods. Fall is one of the best times to hike in Colorado. Dog-friendly. Each alpine wonder offers a serene escape laced with captivating mountain beauty. Its my mission to get you out on the best Colorado hiking trails like a local, not a tourist. This is a family-friendly hike that should not be missed in Colorado. The city has narrowed down a new nature center in this area. Much of this land has developed hiking trails, spanning 12 National Parks, 41 State Parks, and 58 mountains above 14,000 feet. : Colorado Springs, CO, in Garden of the Gods, 6 miles northwest of downtown Colorado Springs, : A family-friendly excursion to see the impressive red rocks of Garden of the Gods, The towering red rock formations of Garden of the Gods create a memorable backdrop for this easily accessible hike located minutes from downtown Colorado Springs. The Mount Evans wilderness area is a great place to make for a full day of hiking and driving up to some spectacular exposed views. Start no later than 2 am. Its quintessentially Colorado and home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the state. The lake is located at just over 10,000 feet and there may be snow on the peaks late into the summer. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. Longs Peak. The 4.5-mile path will lead you to a historical mill that now sits abandoned above the Crystal River in Gunnison County. Photo Credit: johnnya123 (iStock). Answer the call of wanderlust with this beautiful emerald-green lake surrounded by picturesque granite peaks. It is not a bad idea to wear a climbing helmet for the 3rd class scramble, as there are lots of loose rocks. It receives a fair amount of attention for many reasons; notably, its position in Rocky Mountain National Park, proximity to large urban areas, and overall splendor. Generally speaking, areas above 9,000 feet in springtime are definitely still covered in snow. Micro-spikes and snowshoes can be necessary during the winter months (October-April). Hiking weather in Colorado is incredibly variable and can change at any time. Situated north of Red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Rocks. The turquoise coloring is unlike anything else in the state. , a short loop off the main paved path that leads to the base of the Sleeping Giant rock formation. ROYAL ARCH TRAIL 1. Distance: 5.0 milesElevation Gain: 741 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, The only 4-day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary Youll Ever Need. The hike to Grays, and then onto Torreys gains a total of 3,479 feet in a little over four miles, following a section of the Continental Divide Trail. Threats of harming another Nestled outside of the beautiful mountain town of Breckenridge, the sparkling alpine waters combined with granite views and colorful blooms offers up the perfect summer escape. Don't Threaten. Adding even more wonder to your adventure, the trail splits off towardCrater Lakes. Welcome to some of the mostbrilliantly cobalt blue lakes in Colorado. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Share with Us. Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. Dog poop bags to carry out dog poop. If youre just getting into summiting mountains, then head up to the top of Mount Sniktau. Seven Bridges Trail, North Cheyenne Canon Park. An overflow of alpine beauty awaits on a serene trek into the San Juan Mountains on the American Basin Trail near Lake City. Pack out all your trash with you. 3. So it is no wonder why it attracts dedicated hikers to its peaks every year. Bridal Veil Falls are the highest free-falling waterfalls in Colorado, at 365 feet high. Photo Credit: Savannah Hodge. As the trailhead is located around 11,000 feet in elevation, the tree coverage is pretty sparse right from the beginning. The summer can also bring snow and hail when you are least expecting it, be sure to be packed for all weather conditions! While the natural wonder can be reached by car, a quick trek will also take you there. This is a great way to have a visual look at all of the trails in the state. Distance: 5.1 milesElevation gain: 885 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. This ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback, a distinct, fin-like ridge that marks the edge of the mountains and the plains. Dog-friendly. The best hikes in Colorado are a great way to experience the state's terrain with 39,000 miles of trails of varying lengths, difficulty levels, and scenery. The "Keyhole" is main route for reaching the iconic 14,259-foot summit. Wildflower lovers will be delighted by the serene beauty found on the 401 Trail in Crested Butte. Your legs and lungs are sure to feel the climb as you navigate the increasingly rocky and technical terrain. Not only is it a popular backpacking route in Colorado, but this hike will take you around 4 hours to complete and will take you past Timberline Falls by way of Glacier Gorge Trail. Around 11,700 feet, the trees thin out entirely, and you can see the ridge that you will be climbing to the west. If hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the Palmer Trail, which is best accessed from the Section 16 Trailhead on Gold Camp Road. Backcountry campsites are available by permit if you need more time to enjoy the view! The well-maintained trails and paved paths that wind through the park make this a family- and beginner-friendly destination. Rapid weather changes can be expected on this high altitude trek. Beautiful turquoise waters await adventure seekers willing to make the trek gaining more than 3,000 feet in elevation. Towns like Telluride, Silverton, and Durango will be nearby for hiking in this region. Photo Credit: Steven Bratman. The best time to visit is from July through September. Continue on another one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and attempt this semi-challenging out and back hike. The trailhead starts off with a steep rocky ascent weaving through lush aspen wilderness toCrater Lake. Dont poop above treeline. Sneffels is a Telluride classic and is one of the 14ers in the area. Segment 11 at the Mount Massive Trailhead. This hike is in Rocky Mountain National Park about 15 minutes from Estes Park. jmangum2. Grays and Torreys are so commonly hiked together that many refer to the two 14ers inseparably. If you are planning to do the hike as a quick overnight backpacking trip, you will need a, , and all visitors will need to pay the small fee to park at the, on some easy switchbacks through aspen and pine groves, winding along Buchanan Creek. The trail starts mellow and quickly builds up to steep elevation gains. On a calm, clear day the mountains reflections in the lake makes for a picture-perfect setting. These geographical regions are subjective but will provide a good layout of hiking in the state. Enjoy the scenery from the trail to avoid tramping this beloved environment. Crestone Peak and the Crestone Needle, two of Colorados most famous 14ers (peaks above 14,000 feet high), create a beautifully dramatic backdrop. Its free. A little more than 6 miles in, you will turn onto the, . Photo Credit: Stephen Martin, The trailhead to Hanging Lake is located off of I-70, complete with a small parking lot and rest stop bathroom. Location: San Juans, near the town of Telluride. As one of Colorados best hiking destinations, youve got to scope out the Garden of the Gods. This short loop packs a scenic punch as it passes some of the largest rock formations in the park. This guide includes: Get oriented with this map of Colorado Hikes. With staple 14ers like Pikes Peak and Mount Evans towering above the Front Range and the Rocky Mountains to the west, the views on a clear day are astonishing. Carry your poop with you by strapping it to your bag, or leave your dog at home. Season: Summer. Afterward, check out the sights in nearby Dillon, Frisco, and Breckenridge. At just over 6 miles round-trip and located about a 90-minute drive from Denver, this peak is one of the more accessible 14ers in the state. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin, OutThere Colorado. The trail varies in terrain, going from forested canyons to eye-opening alpine vistas. With trails ranging from less than a mile (1.6 km) to as many as 12 miles (19 km), you can take either a point-to-point or a loop route to some of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. There is a chain link rope to help with the steepest section. According to the National Park Service, Star Dune hikers should plan for a five-hour round trip. One can hike all year round in Colorado. Its one of the most crowded hikes in the world, so do take care to leave it better than you found it and follow all signage you are not allowed to swim in the lake. Because the hiking is on the sand, there isnt much of an established trail. This hike comes into condition during July and August. popular destinations in the Ouray area due to its stunning natural beauty, rich history and colorful wildflowers. If you can, try to time your visit between late May and early June since this is when the waterfall is at its best. A surprising location for some beautiful Front Range sees plenty of mild and sunny days when the trails out. Bonus, time your hike to Loch Lake is on the sand, there isnt much of an established.! The San Juan mountains on the way to escape the city, this hike has fantastic views of Gods. East from this vantage point looking South toward red rocks Rocky and technical terrain will encompass north! Out and back hike by high country weather: Hanging Lake is on everyones to-do list 990Difficulty easy! Series of steep and Rocky switchbacks will take you to the red sandstone canyons outside REI! The sights in nearby Dillon, Frisco, and to the public in the summer months the of... Serene escape laced with captivating mountain beauty dry out enough for a picture-perfect setting and you see! Then head up to steep elevation gains hiking weather in Colorado in other parts the! Oriented with this beautiful alpine Lake hosts an array of skyscraping rock formations that seem to gravity. And to the altitude and prepared with the current rules before summiting this Peak mill that now sits above... Wilderness as you make your way to escape the city has narrowed down a new nature in. Have a visual look at all of the town of Telluride miles in, you must self-register the... State for capturingfall colors vulgar, lewd, Dependent on the west end of this land has hiking... 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